Abstract: Embodiments provide composites (and core materials) that are coated with a water vapor barrier coating to reduce water vapor incursion into the composites (and core materials) and to reduce loss of residual moisture content from composite formed during the cure reaction. In an exemplary embodiment, coated composite articles have a composite substrate with a surface that has a water vapor barrier coating. The water vapor barrier-coating reduces water vapor incursion into the coated composite article through the surface when the coated composite is in a hot and humid surrounding environment by at least about 80%. The water vapor barrier coating includes a mixture of waxes and paraffins having a dispersion therein of inorganic powder comprising powdered metal, powdered metal oxide, or powdered metal carbide. The water vapor barrier coating is applied to the surface without solvents and is substantially free of pinhole gaps.

Abstract: A coating composition resistant to penetration by moisture, the composition substantially preventing moisture absorption into a substrate, such as a composite or core material used in a sandwich composite structure, that is otherwise prone to moisture absorption under “hot and wet” ambient conditions. The composition includes: a) a mixture of esters of fatty acids and aliphatic hydrocarbons having a melting point in the range from about 170 to about 190° F.; and b) a powdered additive in sufficient amount to permit uniform heating of a mass of the composition and to provide compression of a mass of the composition upon rapid cooling sufficient to substantially exclude occluded gasses from a cooled mass.

Abstract: A coating composition resistant to penetration by moisture that, when coated onto a composite containing residual moisture after cure, substantially prevents the loss of this residual moisture from the composite thus reducing the risk of cracking of the composite. The composition includes: a) a mixture of esters of fatty acids and aliphatic hydrocarbons having a melting point in the range from about 120° to about 180° F.; and b) a powdered additive in sufficient amount to permit uniform heating of a mass of the composition and to provide compression of a mass of the composition upon rapid cooling sufficient to substantially exclude occluded gasses from a cooled mass.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for tension testing of curved composite specimens are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for tension-testing first and second curved specimens includes a first end member adapted to be coupled to first end portions of the first and second curved specimens, and a second end member adapted to be coupled to second end portions of the first and second curved specimens. An approximately rigid member is disposed between the first and second end members. The approximately rigid member is adapted to be disposed between the first and second curved specimens and has a pair of curved outer surfaces adapted to be engaged against at least a portion of each of the first and second curved specimens between the first and second end portions thereof.